Best Video Game Design Colleges

A video game design degree can open up professional opportunities in the gaming industry, allowing you to develop interactive experiences.
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Updated October 24, 2023

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If you're wondering how to become a video game designer, researching educational opportunities in the field is a great place to start. A video game design degree can open up professional opportunities in the gaming industry, allowing you to use your creativity to develop interactive experiences. A good video game design college will help prepare you to work in programming, animation, and graphic design. Keep reading to learn about the best game design schools.

Explore Featured Video Game Design Programs

Overview: Video Game Design Colleges

You may be wondering what to expect out of a video game design program. Most bachelor's programs take four years to complete and cover game design, programming, art, and animation. Some programs include a final exam or capstone project, and give students opportunities to gain hands-on experience through internships or fieldwork.

According to Data USA, approximately 5,362 degrees are awarded in animation, interactive technology, video graphics, and special effects each year. The median annual in-state public tuition for these programs was $4,329, while the median out-of-state private tuition was $38,495.

5 Best Video Game Design Colleges

The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.

#1 Best Video Game Design Colleges

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Manchester, NH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Students seeking flexible online study should consider Southern New Hampshire University. The institution supports 45 remote online bachelor's degree programs. Learners seeking to advance in the video game design field will benefit from the online bachelor of arts in game design.

The online degree gives students the flexibility to complete their education without having to relocate. Students complete industry-specific classes to prepare them for a career in video game design.

The school supports over 128,000 distance learners across 103 online programs. Students studying online can also pursue financial aid opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships, to offset educational expenses.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,600
Out-of-state
$9,600
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,810
Out-of-state
$18,810
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
134,345
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#2 Best Video Game Design Colleges

Liberty University

  • Lynchburg, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University offers 242 programs, including an online bachelor of science in information technology degree with the opportunity to specialize in game design.

Students in the program learn in-demand skills such as graphic design, digital imaging, and interactive game development. These skills can make graduates competitive in the job market.

Students interested in pursuing a career in game design should consider Liberty University. Almost all students receive some form of financial aid, and 55% receive loans. Liberty University offers 93 bachelor’s programs and 174 online programs.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,791
Out-of-state
$14,791
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,935
Out-of-state
$7,935
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
93,349
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Best Video Game Design Colleges

Michigan State University

  • East Lansing, MI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Michigan State University is a public school located in East Lansing and offers 409 degree programs. 

Students interested in pursuing a game design career should consider MSU's serious game design and research graduate certificate. Graduates of the program gain experience and build skills to prepare them for work in the game design field.

MSU has an 81% graduation rate. In addition, 71% of students receive some form of financial aid and 40% receive loans. The average amount of aid awarded per student is $11,850, and the average price per student after financial aid is $16,655. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,555
Out-of-state
$40,384
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,858
Out-of-state
$37,056
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
49,695
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Best Video Game Design Colleges

Central Piedmont Community College

  • Charlotte, NC
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Central Piedmont Community College is a public college located in Charlotte, North Carolina. It offers 134 programs, 12 of which are online programs. All of CPCC's students are enrolled in at least some online learning.

Prospective students interested in pursing a career in video game design should consider CPCC's associate in applied science degree in simulation and game development. The degree provides learners with experiences that help prepare them for the professional game design industry.

In total, 70% of students receive some form of financial aid, with an average amount of $4,791 per student. After financial aid, the average price per student is just $6,652.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,432
Out-of-state
$8,576
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
52%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
16,668
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Best Video Game Design Colleges

Savannah College of Art and Design

  • Savannah, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Savannah College of Art and Design is a private university located in Georgia. The school offers a variety of degree programs.

If you're interested in a career in the video game design industry, consider SCAD's B.A. in interactive design and game development. The program gives students a chance to learn valuable skills and prepares them for a professional career in video game design.

Most students at SCAD receive some form of financial aid, and 41% receive loans.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$37,575
Out-of-state
$37,575
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$38,475
Out-of-state
$38,475
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
14,265
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
26% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Our Methodology

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While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.

  • Academics
  • Affordability
  • Online Enrollment

Data Sources

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Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology

About Our Ranking Factors

Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.

Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.

We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.

Academics - 75%

Affordability - 15%

Online Enrollment - 10%

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Salary and Demand for Video Game Design Occupations

Two common video game careers are software developers and special effects artists and animators. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for software developers is $132,930 and the median annual salary for special effects artists and animators is $98,950. Software developers create the code and programs that power video games, while special effects artists and animators create visual effects for movies, video games, and other media.

Job Outlook

The BLS projects 25% growth in the employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers from 2022-2032. Special effects artists and animators can expect 8% growth over the same period.

Paying for a Program

Financing a college education can be a daunting task. According to the National Center for Education Statistics DataLab, 66.6% of undergraduate students in the U.S. borrow money to finance their college education.

There are many ways to finance your education besides loans. You can search for work-study opportunities, for example. It is also important for you to learn about scholarships and other forms of financial aid, such as federal, state, and private grants. Fill out the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what kind of federal aid is available to you.

Online vs. On Campus

When searching for the right college, consider the differences between online and on-campus programs. While every program is different, here are some of the general advantages and drawbacks of both:

Online

On Campus

Public vs. Private

While searching for your ideal program in video game design, consider the differences between public and private schools.

Cost is one of the most important considerations for many students, and private schools tend to be more expensive. However, private institutions often have more specialized programs and smaller class sizes. Additionally, because of their smaller size, private colleges often have a close-knit community, which may not be present at public colleges.

Public institutions are typically larger, more cost-effective, and easier to enroll in. However, a higher student-to-faculty ratio could mean less individualized attention for students.

Be sure to research the specifics of each individual program carefully, as the differences listed above are only general. Ultimately, the decision between public and private college depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Applying to a Video Game Design Program

When deciding whether to apply to a program, consider a few key factors. Cost and affordability are important, as you'll need to be able to cover tuition and other associated fees. Quality should also be taken into account, as you'll want to ensure that the program you select meets your expectations. Finally, you should look into the program length, as it will determine how long it will take you to complete your degree. Make sure you compare different programs before applying.

When it comes time to apply, review the program's admission requirements. It's helpful to make a checklist with relevant deadlines to ensure that you send in all required materials on time. Many programs request letters of recommendation, so be sure to notify your letter-writers well in advance to ensure that all your application materials are considered.

Frequently Asked Questions about Video Game Design Programs

What qualifications do I need to apply for a bachelor's degree in video game design?

To apply to a bachelor's in video game design program, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and good grades in math and computer science.

You may also need to provide transcripts and letters of recommendation, and take a standardized test such as the SAT or ACT.

What is the cost of a degree in video game design?

The cost of a video game design education varies widely. For example, according to Data USA, the median in-state public tuition for animation, interactive technology, video graphics, and special effects majors was $4,329. The median out-of-state private tuition for the same group was $38,495.

What is the average salary for a video game design professional?

According to BLS, the median annual salary for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers was $124,200. Salaries may vary depending on job qualifications, location, and the specific role.

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